Racing people can be a hardened lot, but there is sure to be a flood of tears and an outpouring of emotion when Passion For War lines up in Sunday’s Freight Lines Group Esperance Cup (2010m).
A last start winner, Passion For War will take his place in the Esperance Cup, but without the loving affection of former trainer, Jeff Eeles, who sadly passed away in Perth last week after suffering a heart attack.
Eeles, a former jockey and much respected and loved member of the Esperance racing community, led Passion Of War to three wins after the gelding raced under Paul Jordan's tutelage in Perth.
In a touching gesture of respect, close family friend, Josh Brown, will saddle up Passion For War in the Esperance Cup, hoping a sentimental victory will help honour Eeles memory and keep his racing legacy alive.
Brown is a young and talented horseman and says he’ll have a heavy heart when he sends of Passion For War, but takes solace knowing that Eeles will be watching over his shoulder like a guardian angel.
“Jeff has been a close friend of the family and ironically I was the last person to speak to him,” Brown told Racing WA.
“He was on his horse going past me when he had his heart attack and it was a traumatic time for all of us.
“The family approached and asked me to take care of the horse, so they can let their dad have one last run in the cup.
“I said not a problem at all and bring him to the stable and we’ll give him one more run.
“They had mixed feelings whether to go out a winner but thought their dad would want to have a runner in the cup.”
Karma can work in mysterious way, but Brown’s compassion and altruism had positive consequences for the Eeles family two weeks ago.
In a time of sadness, he was on hand lending support when Passion For War surprised everyone with a stunning upset win in a key lead up race.
Going around as the rank outsider of the field, the $71 pop led all the way, knocking off boom Esperance horse and cup rival Uncompromised.
Brown is hoping fate can intervene again.
“When he won that lead up, Jeff was in ICU at the time and we saddled the horse,” Brown said.
“Sure enough he wins it and that was quite emotional in itself.
“Jeff had the heart attack and was flown to Fiona Stanley Hospital; he was still alive when the race was run.”
Emotion and sentimentality aside, Brown says Passion For War is not a silly chance of winning the Esperance Cup.
“Uncompromised is the pin up horse for Esperance and True Chance, well, he beat both of them,” Brown said.
“He jumped to the front and even Lisa (Staples) who rode him said he was improved getting his own way in front.
“He proved hard to run down.
“The start before he was instructed to lead, but got left at the barriers.
“He’ll be at a big price, but hopefully can run well for the family.”
Brown’s Esperance Cup hopes swells to two with Elite Fighter, a handy and consistent acquisition for Brown, not without claims.
The six-year-old gelding has raced five times at Esperance this season, scoring two wins, two seconds and a fourth.
“His first few wins were super impressive,” Brown said.
“You have to respect Stormageddon, both of Michael Grantham’s (Citino) are going to be awfully hard to beat and you have to respect Uncompromised.
“It’s not the strongest cup as years gone past, usually we have the Durrant’s, the Pearce’s, Ashley Maley.
“We’ve had a good year and hopefully can end the season well.”
Passion For War has drawn barrier two for new rider, Brandon Louis. Tabtouch has him rated at $71.
Elite Fighter is $21 and from gate four will have the services of Brayden Gaerth.
Stormageddon, a last start Pinjarra winner, is the rock-solid $1.75 favourite. Leading jockey Clint Johnston-Porter retains the ride.
Julio Santarelli